Excellence in Support Service

Each year, the University at Albany honors special members of its community with Excellence Awards denoting exceptional contributions to the life of the campus. Three staff members received this tribute in 2004 for Excellence in Support Service.

Kimberly Comproski, Economics

Composure and efficiency under trying circumstances are nothing new to the multi-talented Kimberly Comproski. She began her career at the University in 1983, as a secretary in the Department of Residential Life and Housing. In 1997, she moved to the Department of Economics as a Secretary 1, and in 2001 assumed additional duties as a project assistant to the Econometric Research Institute. In her dual role, she trains and supervises other clerical and student staff while providing administrative assistance to the chair and assistant chair of the department, as well as to the directors for graduate and undergraduate studies and to the project director and co-directors of the Econometric Research Institute.

Several supervisors note that Comproski takes major responsibility for carrying out a wide array of student services, including orientation of new graduate students, management of undergraduate and graduate student records, including add/drops, unofficial advisement of undergraduates, scheduling departmental comprehensive exams, assigning advisers, and allocating proctor assignments.

“It is not only that Kim does her job extremely well and therefore merits recognition, but rather that she does so much so well,” wrote the department’s Director of Graduate Studies Laurence Kranich.

Comproski’s constituents and coworkers note that she is constantly balancing demands, sometimes under considerable pressure, yet she is able to maintain an upbeat attitude. No better example can be given of her ability to succeed under difficult circumstances than her steadfast and efficient management of the departmental office while the chair of the department, assistant to the chair, and two other clerical members were all new to their positions.

The awards nomination committee was impressed by Comproski’s dedication to her work, her willingness to volunteer for work outside the realm of her responsibility, and her loyalty to the job. She is not afraid of long hours or extra work on weekends, and she is known for her student-centered attitude.